Community Corner
Oh, the Places Immaculate’s Class of 2024 Will Go!
Mustangs Set Their Sights on Exciting Careers
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For David Mitchell of New Milford, it all started 10 years ago when he stepped onto his first flight.
“Ever since then, I have been fascinated by the concept of aviation and the entire industry that propels it forward,” Mitchell said. “I found many different paths in the industry that interest me, but recently–especially through my academics at Immaculate–I have been called toward one specific path: piloting.”
Mitchell will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University next year, the nation’s only university specializing in aviation and aerospace, on the “Accelerated Private Pilot Track.” He credits his family’s support plus Immaculate High School’s rigorous academics and robust college prep strategy. Mitchell took the school’s Advanced Placement Physics, a course taught in conjunction with the University of Connecticut, and Advanced Placement Statistics, done in partnership with Western Connecticut State University. Both gave him a broader understanding of the aviation field, while offering the opportunity to earn college credit through the University of Connecticut and Western Connecticut State University respectively.
Mitchell’s counselor also guided him toward his top four school choices, aided in part by special software and databases, and he applied early to his top pick. He was elated to receive his acceptance to Embry-Riddle in October 2023. “This enabled me to continue stress-free throughout most of my senior year without the hassle of college admissions above my head until May,” he said.
Immaculate has a low student-to-counselor ratio at 95:1 so students receive a lot of individual attention. A few other things that set the school apart: a FOALS program for first-year students to help them adjust to high school, class specific advisory sessions about academics and the college application process, alumni panels, career days and college nights.
The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and this year’s graduates earned acceptances at a host of top schools including Georgetown University, the University of Notre Dame, Boston College, Virginia Tech, Clemson University, Carnegie Mellon University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University, Villanova University, Elon University, New York University, Northeastern University, Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Texas, Wake Forest University and Providence College. The class of 2024 has been offered $28 million in scholarships and grants.
“It’s always thrilling to see where our Mustangs are going after they leave Immaculate–and there is always a diverse list of colleges, universities and pursuits,” said Wendy Neil, principal and acting president. “We know they’ll carry the values and foundation they got here into whatever they do!”
“Immaculate did an outstanding job–I owe a lot to the counseling staff,” said Jenna Saidman of Bethel, who is headed to the University of Notre Dame to study business.“What’s special about Immaculate is the teachers and staff are so supportive and are truly committed to what’s best for you. They want you to succeed.” Saidman said she had “a lot” of questions for her counselor during college admissions, but she was always available to answer them.
“If it wasn’t for Immaculate I’d have no idea what I’m doing,” senior Jonathan Timmel of Patterson, New York quipped. Because it’s a smaller school, he said, you get to personally know your teachers and counselor. He credits his art teachers for helping him earn the Connecticut Association of Schools “Outstanding Arts Award” this year.
“Sophomore year I took Graphics One just because I needed an elective. I thought Fine Arts could be fun,” he recalled. “When I got there I was like I like this and I’m kind of good at it so I took Graphics Two Honors the next year. Then, there was an AP weighted credit class through Quinnipiac University and I thought I do need a college major!” Turns out, he will be majoring in Graphic Design at High Point University in North Carolina.
Timmel said he went to a college fair with Immaculate students in Hartford, where he first saw a booth for High Point and put it on his list. Immaculate regularly attends college fairs, hosts them at the school and takes students on field trips to nearby colleges and universities.
As a parent, Kate Balzano has benefited from Immaculate’s strong educational foundation–twofold. Her twin graduates, Eva Balzano and Stephen Balzano of Bedford, New York, are both embarking on communications careers. Eva is off to Texas Christian University where she will pursue sports broadcasting and Stephen will attend Quinnipiac University for communications. Both were enthusiastic leaders of Immaculate’s “Stable” student cheering section.
“Immaculate High School has been the best decision that I have made for my twins,” said Kate Balzano. “The school has given my children the confidence, social skills, and drive to do better and be better. Every single day. I have absolutely no reservations about whether or not they are ready for college. Immaculate has made them ready for the next chapter!”
As for grad David Mitchell’s next chapter after flight school? He might be piloting one of your flights someday. “My ultimate career goal is to be a commercial pilot for one of the many U.S. airlines,” he said. “Although working for an international airline would also be a welcome endeavor!”
To learn more about visiting Immaculate and becoming a part of its thriving community, visit https://www.immaculatehs.org/admissions/overview.
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